New York Teacher Certification Renewal
Learn how to renew a Professional Educator Certification or reinstate a Professional Educator Certification in New York
Teaching Certification Renewal
Once you have your Initial Certificate, you have five years to complete the requirements for a Professional Certificate. This includes mentoring during your first year of teaching, plus gaining at least two more years of teaching experience during this five-year period. You may also reach the Professional level through obtaining a master’s degree in your area of initial certification from a graduate-level teacher preparation program.
Your Professional Certificate is valid indefinitely so long as you maintain the professional development (PD) standards of the New York State Department of Education during each five-year block. This includes completing 175 hours of PD every five years. The New York public school that employs you will approve your PD hours and report them to the Department of Education. Your school must also keep record of your PD hours for seven years in the event of an audit.
You can apply for renewal online.
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Reinstatement of Certification
If you do not complete 175 hours of PD every five years, your teaching certificate may be revoked. You may request an extension of your certificate under certain circumstances. You may apply for an extension online.
In the event that you need to pursue reinstatement, you will be required to pay an expiration fee and complete necessary PD hours to bring your certificate back into valid status. Contact the New York State Education Department Office of Teaching Initiatives at 518-474-3901 for more information.
